Card Game Method

ABSTRACT

A method of providing additional wagering options wherein the additional wagering options are integrated into conventional poker games such as but not limited to Texas Hold&#39;em and Omaha. The present invention includes a table wherein the table is provided with a bonus play area for each player that can be accommodated at the table. Prior to the outset of the playing of the conventional poker game, the player is permitted to place a wager on the bonus play area. During play of the conventional poke game, the dealer will provide bonus payout options at various intervals within the poker game. If the player is in possession of cards that combine with the dealer and/or community cards that form a qualifying hand the player is paid a bonus payout in accordance with the present invention regulations.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to poker games, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a card table game that is integrated into traditional poker games such as but not limited to Texas Hold'em wherein the card table game of the present invention provides bonus playing options and additional wagering thereon.

BACKGROUND

As is known in the art there are numerous styles and types of card games. The conventional deck of cards has been utilized to create hundreds of types of games wherein the games vary in the utilization of the deck of cards. By way of example but not limitation, conventional games such as blackjack are initiated with two cards being dealt to a player and the objective is to be either at or closest to a total of twenty-one wherein during the play of the game a player can choose to accept at least one additional card. Other card games such as but not limited to Texas Hold'em or Omaha consist of the utilization of many cards and are typically played amongst a many other players at the same table with the cards being dealt by the dealer of the casino or similar venue.

A conventional round of a card game such as Texas Hold'em and/or Omaha will consist of a dealer providing two cards face down to each player. A round of betting can ensue wherein each player can wager and exercise options such as check, call, raise or fold. This stage of the game is commonly known as the pre-flop. Once that round of betting has finished the dealer will discard one card and proceed to place three cards face up in the center of the table. After this there is another round of betting then the dealer will discard a single card from the deck and subsequently place a fourth shared card in the middle of the table. Another round of wagering ensues then the final fifth card is placed on the table. Traditional wagering with each round of play is all that is available for players and the casino. As such the conventional rules of the game provide wagering limitations for the player at the casino.

Accordingly, there is a need for a card game that can be integrated into traditional card games such as but not limited to Texas Hold'em wherein the card game of the present invention provides additional wagering options and payouts during various rounds of play of a card game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a card game method that provides additional wagering options at alternate intervals of play wherein the present invention includes a card game table.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of playing cards wherein the method includes optional wagering at various intervals of play in a conventional card game wherein the card table of the present invention provides playing areas for the optional wagering.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a card game method that provides additional wagering options at alternate intervals of play wherein the present invention can be integrated into conventional card games such as but not limited to Texas Hold'em and Omaha.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of playing cards wherein the method includes optional wagering at various intervals of play in a conventional card game wherein the bonus play options of the card game of the present invention includes a plurality of payout ratios.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a card game method that provides additional wagering options at alternate intervals of play wherein the payout ratios are linearly progressive based on the complexity and odds of the achieved hand of cards.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a method of playing cards wherein the method includes optional wagering at various intervals of play in a conventional card game wherein in the present invention the game of play can be initiated with entering into a bonus play wager.

Another object of the present invention is to a provide a card game method that provides additional wagering options at alternate intervals of play wherein the bonus play options are not on the cards in the players possession.

An alternate object of the present invention is to provide a method of playing cards wherein the method includes optional wagering at various intervals of play in a conventional card game wherein a player can engage in bonus play wagering subsequent folding their hand directed at the conventional card game.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a card game method that provides additional wagering options at alternate intervals of play wherein the intention of the method of play of the present invention attracts players to play lower volume card table games.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary game table of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the method of play of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated card game method 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Now referring in particular to the Figures submitted herewith, the card game method 100 includes a table 10. The table 10 is a conventional table having an upper surface 12 manufactured utilizing a suitable playing surface such as but not limited to felt. The playing surface 14 is marked with a plurality of indicia 16 and placement locations. The indicia 16 and placement locations 18 provide instruction as to what plays and/or wagers are available to the player. Furthermore, the indicia 16 and placement locations 18 provide the designated areas for players to physically place game pieces such as but not limited to cards or poker chips. The card game method 100 includes a playing surface 14 that provides a bonus play area 20. The bonus play area 20 provides the table location wherein as will be further discussed herein a player can place additional wagers at intervals of play of a conventional card game such as but not limited to Texas Hold'em. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that while conventional card games such as Texas Hold'em are referenced herein, the reference to a specific card game is exemplary only and it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the card game method 100 could be integrated into various types of card games.

Referring now to FIG. 2 herein, the method of play of the card game method 100 is diagrammed therein. In step 201, a casino or similar venue will provide the table 10 of the present invention. Step 203, a group of players and a dealer are assembled at the table 10. Step 205, the players are provided the option to place a wager in the bonus play area 20 of the card table 10. It is contemplated within the scope of the invention that any amount of wager could be placed within the bonus play area 20 and wherein the operating venue of the card game method 100 could establish wagering minimums or maximums. In step 207, the dealer will deal to each player a first card from the dealer deck of cards wherein the first card is dealt face down. Step 209, the dealer will deal a second card to each player at the table 10 wherein the second card is also dealt face down to each player. In step 211, the players will review the result of their own first card and second card. Step 213, ensuing review of their first two dealt cards each player will engage in a play option. The play options available to each player subsequent the first two dealt cards are a call, a raise, a check or a fold.

In step 215, ensuing the players playing their chosen tactic in Step 213, the dealer will remove the top card from the dealer deck of cards from the course of play. Step 217, the dealer will place three cards face up generally proximate the middle of the table 10. In step 219, the players will review the three dealt cards and engage in a play option. The play options which a player can engage in after review of the three dealt cards are a check, a raise or a fold. In step 221, the dealer will pay a first bonus payout for any player that placed an optional bonus wager in step 205. By way of example but not limitation, a contemplated payout option for the following exemplary hands could be as follows: a pair, 1:1; a flush, 4:1; a straight, 6:1; a straight flush, 25:1; and a royal flush 100:1. The aforementioned exemplary hands and payouts are provided for example only and do no serve to provide limitation of payouts and payout eligible combinations.

In step 223, the dealer will discard a card from the dealer deck of cards ensuing the first bonus round. Step 225, the dealer will place a fourth card face up adjacent to the three cards in the middle of the table for view by the players and the dealer. In step 227, the players will review the four cards face up in the middle of the table and will further evaluate their two cards in their possession to determine a play option. The play options available to a player can be a check, a raise or a fold. Step 229, the dealer will examine with the remaining players that placed a bonus wager if a combination of any of the four cards yields a poker hand. By way of example but not limitation, if the four face up cards create a hand such as but not limited to a flush, a straight, a straight flush or a royal flush. The bonus payouts for the aforementioned could be but are not limited to 6:1, 8:1, 50:1 and 200:1 respectively.

In step 231, ensuing payment of a qualifying bonus to a player, the dealer will discard a card from the top of the deck of dealer cards. Step 233, the dealer will deal a fifth card face up and place adjacent to the four face up cards proximate the middle of the table 10. In step 235, each remaining player will review the five face up cards in conjunction with their two dealt cards and determine a play option. The play options at this interval can be a check, a raise or a fold. Step 237, the dealer will examine with any player who placed a bonus wager at the outset of the game as to whether or not the the five face up cards yields a poker hand. In the event a poker hand is achieved, the dealer will issue the player a bonus payout. By way of example but not limitation, the dealer could pay 5:1 for a three of a kind; 2:1 for a pair; 20:1 for a full house; 40:1 for four of a kind. In step 239, the card game will end its conventional portion wherein the winning hand of the remaining player will be paid in accordance to the rules of the game outside of the bonus wager option described herein.

It should be understood within the scope of the present invention if a player places a bonus option wager at the beginning of the game and all players fold prior to drawing of all five face up cards, the dealer will continue with the procedure of the game until all five cards are drawn and determine if any player who has placed a bonus wager qualifies for a bonus payout. Furthermore, while bonus wager payouts can vary, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the bonus wager payouts can be from 1:1 to 1000:1.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A card game method of play comprising: providing a table, wherein said table includes at least one bonus play area, wherein the bonus play area is configured to provide a player an area to place a wager; assembling a dealer and a plurality of players; initiating a poker game utilizing a conventional deck of cards; placing at least one bonus wager, wherein the bonus wager being outside rules of play of the poker game; playing the poker game, wherein the dealer and plurality of players will engage in the poker game in accordance with the rules thereof; reviewing cards of the plurality of players at least once during the playing of the poker game; determining if cards shown face up that belong to dealer qualify for a bonus payout; and paying a bonus payout, wherein a bonus payout is paid to a player having a qualifying hand wherein the qualifying hand is outside the rules of play of the poker game.
 2. The card game method of play as recited in claim 1, and further including the step of providing a bonus playing area for each player.
 3. The card game method of play as recited in claim 2, wherein the at least one bonus wager is placed prior to any wager allowed in accordance with the rules of the poker game.
 4. The card game method of play as recited in claim 3, wherein a player is dealt at least two cards in a face down orientation at the outset of the poker game.
 5. The card game method of play as recited in claim 4, wherein a player can be folded in accordance with the rules of the poker game and still be eligible for a bonus wager payout.
 6. The card game method of play as recited in claim 5, wherein bonus wager payouts can range in a ration from 1:1 to 1000:1.
 7. The card game method of play as recited in claim 6, and further including the step of paying a bonus payout ensuing completion of the poker game by all of said plurality of players.
 8. A method of playing a poker game wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a table, wherein the table includes a location for a plurality of players to place playing cards, said table further including a bonus play area for each player location, said table further including indicia relevant to conventional poker games to be played on the table; assembling a plurality of players and a dealer; placing an optional wager, wherein at least one of the plurality of players will place an optional wager prior to commencement of a poker game; commencing the poker game; dealing at least two cards face down to each of the plurality of players; reviewing the at least two cards, wherein each of the plurality of players will review the at least two cards; presenting three playing cards, wherein the dealer presents three cards face up on said table; engaging in a playing option, wherein each of the players will engage in a playing option in accordance with the rules of the poker game; reviewing bonus payout availability, wherein the dealer will review with each of the plurality of players the three playing cards qualify for a bonus payout; and paying a bonus payout, wherein a player in possession of a poker hand qualifying for a bonus payout receives a bonus payment, wherein the poker hand is outside of the rules of the poker game being played.
 9. The method of playing a poker game as recited in claim 8, wherein the optional wager is placed in the bonus play area.
 10. The method of playing a poker game as recited in claim 9, and further including the step of discarding a card, wherein the dealer discards a card from the deck of playing cards so as to inhibit availability thereof.
 11. The method of playing a poker game as recited in claim 10, providing a second interval of bonus wager payout, wherein the second interval of the bonus wager payout is available after dealing of a fourth face up card.
 12. The method of playing a poker game as recited in claim 11, wherein bonus wager payouts can range in a ration from 1:1 to 1000:1.
 13. The method of playing a poker game as recited in claim 12, wherein ensuing dealing of the three cards a bonus wager payout is available for a poker hand consisting of one of the following: a pair, a flush, a straight, a straight flush or a royal flush.
 14. The method of playing a poker game as recited in claim 13, wherein the method of playing a poker game is integrated into conventional poker games consisting of at least one of the following: Texas Hold'em or Omaha.
 15. A method of playing a poker game wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a table, wherein the table includes a location for a plurality of players to place playing cards, said table further including a bonus play area for each player location, said table further including indicia relevant to conventional poker games to be played on the table; assembling a plurality of players and a dealer; placing an optional wager, wherein at least one of the plurality of players will place an optional wager prior to commencement of a poker game; commencing the poker game; dealing two cards face down to each of the plurality of players; reviewing the two cards, wherein each of the plurality of players will review the two cards; presenting three playing cards, wherein the dealer presents three cards face up on said table; engaging in a playing option, wherein each of the players will engage in a playing option in accordance with the rules of the poker game; reviewing bonus payout availability, wherein the dealer will review with each of the plurality of players that have placed the optional wager if the three playing cards qualify for a bonus payout; dealing a fourth card, wherein the dealer places a fourth card face up on said table; reviewing the fourth card, wherein each of the plurality of players review the fourth card; determining a poker hand, wherein the poker hand is outside of the rules of the poker game being played; paying a bonus payout, wherein a poker hand has been attained in the four face up cards outside of the rules of the poker game being played qualifying for a bonus payout receives a bonus payment; dealing a fifth card, wherein the dealer places a fifth card face up on said table; reviewing the fifth card, wherein each of the plurality of players review the fifth card; determining a poker hand, wherein the poker hand is outside of the rules of the poker game being played and is present in the five cards facing up; and paying a bonus payout, wherein a player in possession of a poker hand outside of the rules of the poker game being played qualifying for a bonus payout receives a bonus payment.
 16. The method of playing a poker game as recited in claim 15, and further including the step of discarding a playing card, wherein a playing card is discarded prior to dealing of the fourth card and the fifth card.
 17. The method of playing a poker game as recited in claim 16, and further including the step of paying bonus wager payouts, wherein the bonus wager payouts have a payout ratio range of 1:1 to 1000:1.
 18. The method of playing a poker game as recited in claim 17, wherein the method of playing a poker game is integrated into a conventional poker game of Texas Hold'em.
 19. The method of playing a poker game as recited in claim 18, and further including the step of ending the poker game upon elimination all players and wherein any player can be paid a bonus payout provided placement of an optional wager at the outset of the poker game.
 20. The method of playing a poker game as recited in claim 19, wherein ensuing dealing of the fourth card a bonus wager payout is available for a poker hand consisting of one of the following: a flush, a straight, a straight flush or a royal flush. 